Henson sells Muppets to Disney

[Mark Filton]

WHAT WOULD I DO???

Take a risk

Find somebody COOL and talented. The guy who directed Muppets From Space was a big nobody. Go look at his bio in the IMDB.

Is there not ONE COOL and talented guy to direct? Get a moron nobody, and get a moron movie, people don't like it, others won't fund another....what do you expect?

"Oh, our company is in trouble!" Yes, because you manage it into the ground!

Maybe get the Fraggle gang together one more time. Jim only had a small role in perfroming, as did Richard. A Fraggle movie would be a good project.

Or a Muppet Movie with some INTERESTING cameo choices. Muppets From Space: Oh, look, it's Hulk Hogan acting like a wrestler! What a surprise!

GIve ANYBODY a chance to at least TRY to do something sophisiticated. It might pay off, but you have to try

That's just my suggestion

 

[McFraggle]

I agree, there has to be somebody original who can bring fresh life into these characters.

 

[Dash X]

So what exactly did happen in the early nineties, leading to the suprisingly entertaining 'Muppets at Walt Disney World', did a buyout happen then?, did it fall through?, or was it a distribution thing?

 

[gen]

what is happening over there?

Hi guys long time no talk to you all.Just a quick question on the sale of the muppets does this mean that Disney will have them for ever or until they decide to sell them?And there has been no mention of Palisadies does there contract have to be renewed to go into next year or is this year the last and is that why the Vets hospital was cancelled?
Speak soon

 

[a_Mickey_Muppet]

FOREVER!!!! I hardy think Mickey (Disney) spend over $60,000 just to use them for a bit and then get rid of em! The Mouse has been wating almost 15 years for this to happend...so, my guess is NO they WILL NEVER the Muppets!

 

[BoyRaisin2]

I believe Disney bought the Muppets (and Bear) for a more hefty price than $60,000.

 

[JaniceFerSure]

Disney buy/taking over Muppets

<shudder>This makes me so sad.Disney hasn't really had a hit movie or project for so long.I wonder what will happen to the Muppets now?<sigh>

 

[BoyRaisin2]

What are you talking about? 2003 was one of their best years ever in terms of box office with Pirates of the Caribbean, Freaky Friday, and especially (Pixar's) Finding Nemo. Now, I'm not saying that all things are rosy at Disney, particularly with the video sequels, the Pixar breakup, and the end of theatrical hand-drawn animation. But the Muppets have a better chance with the distribution and exposure at Disney. The jury's still out on whether the product will be quality stuff, we don't KNOW yet, but the Muppets will be given a better shot of success than they were before.

 

[McFraggle]

I think the Muppets will be more heavily promoted and marketed than they possibly ever have. Disney spent $60 million and they want to reap their investment. Disney may have its faults, but it is still one of the premier family brands. By Disney owning the Muppets it gives them more chances to be seen and introduced to new generations. This will certainly be better for the brand than the Pizza Hut commercial, because new fans will learn more about the individual muppets. I think in a few years, the Muppets and Bear will be promoted similar to the Mickey and Pooh brands, even if it is on a lesser scale.

 

[Luke]

I think quite possibly in a few years the Muppets could be promoted far heavier than Mickey or Pooh, it's just how long that lasts that is more the question. Diz have so many brands to push sometimes they have to wait their turn to make sure they aren't competing with each other. From what we are about to see (Muppets announcing Wizard Of Oz, and that they are now with Disney) on the Jessica and Nick show it seems Disney is happy for them continuing to appear as pop culture icons alongside "current" celebrities of the day so i'm not so sure we have seen the last of the "Pizza Hut" style campaigns. I guess it will take a while and a lot of work to get the characters back on a level with the mainstream public where they can draw a big audience by themselves.